ASHRAE Journal - March 2010 - 55

or comprehensive forensic analysis. However, there is evidence that ESD is a concern for data centers, particularly where components inside the servers are being handled. The question that remains is how to best address this risk from ESD. From our research, we conclude that the following practices are the most effective means to prevent ESD failures: 1. The IT equipment should be rated and tested for ESD conformance with IEC61000-4-2; 2. In facilities where electronic circuit boards and components are handled, personnel grounding and procedures should be used as the primary method of protection; and 3. With these measures in place, humidification appears not to be necessary. Adding humidity to the data center might lower the potential severity of the ESD events, but as established in the development of ANSI/ESD S20.20, cannot fully protect against them. The research from TC 9.9’s Research Work Statement 1499 should provide data to inform the industry on the role of humidification to mitigate ESD. High humidity levels are seldom an issue in most data centers. The IT equipment temperatures are typically much warmer than the operating dew-point temperatures of the cooling coils. Furthermore, most IT equipment is rated for operation up to 80% RH. Although concerns have been raised about CAF and gaseous contaminants, little published evidence exists that these issues are a risk to most data centers. References 1. ASHRAE. 2008. Thermal Guidelines for Data Processing Environments. Developed by ASHRAE Technical Committee 9.9. 2. ANSI/TIA-942-1 2005, Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers. 3. ASHRAE Environmental Guidelines for Datacom Equipment— Expanding the Recommended Environmental Envelope. Developed by ASHRAE TC 9.9. 2008. 4. TIA. 2008. “Category 6 Cabling: Static Discharge Between LAN Cabling and Data Terminal Equipment.” Telecommunications Industry Association. 5. Turbini, L., W. Ready. 1998. “Conductive anodic filament failure: a materials perspective.” Proceedings of the Third Pacific Rim International Conference on Advanced Materials and Processing. 6. For example: The Dell PowerEdge M605 Blade Server. 2009. http://tinyurl.com/yaokutv. Click on “Tech Specs” and scroll down to “Environmental.” 7. ANSI/ESD Standard 20.20-2007, Protection of Electrical and Electronic Parts, Assemblies and Equipment (Excluding Electrically Initiated Explosive Devices). 8. Swenson, D., J.T. Kinnear. 2009. The Role of Relative Humidity and Dew Point on Electrostatic Charge Generation and Discharge (ESD). The Green Grid. 9. IEC61000-4-2, Electromagnetic Compatibility—Part 4.2: Testing and Measurement Techniques—Electrostatic Discharge Immunity. 10. NBCIP. 2005. “Product Testing Report Supplement: DuctMounted Relative Humidity Transmitters.” National Building Controls Information Program, Iowa Energy Center. 11. Miller, R. 2008. “New from Microsoft: data center in tents.” Data Center Knowledge. http://tinyurl.com/4o7536. 12. Atwood, D., J.G. Miner. 2008. “Reducing data center cost with an air economizer.” IT@Intel Brief. Intel Corporation. March 2010 Non-POE Refrigeration Oil for HFC Equipment out C h e c k it e bs e our w for o r c a ll FREE E! SAMPL Benefits Compatible with all HFC refrigerants R134a, R404A, R407C, R410A, etc. No Hydrolysis unlike POE (Polyolester) lubricants No reaction with water! PVE bond energy enhances anti-wear effectiveness Anti-wear effectiveness is enhanced when compared to POE Better solubility with process fluids Capillary Tube Blockage Superior resistance due to lack of hydrolysis Possible to eliminate HVAC systems filter dryer Current Customers Carrier ● Daikin ● Hitachi LG Electronics ● Panasonic Sanyo ● Tecumseh and more Idemitsu Lubricants America Corporation 2000 Town Center • Suite 1450 • Southfield, MI 48075 phone : fax: (248) 355-0666 (248) 355-9337 For product and purchase inquiries, visit our website: PVE-Idemitsu-usa.com www.info.hotims.com/30302-25 ASHRAE Journal

ASHRAE Journal - March 2010

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